Stamp of approval

Staff at the Museum of British Road Transport in Coventry rolled out the red carpet for a VIP guest when children's favourite Postman Pat became the first to knock on the museum's new front door - which is at the back.

Staff at the Museum of British Road Transport in Coventry rolled out the red carpet for a VIP guest when children's favourite Postman Pat became the first to knock on the museum's new front door - which is at the back.

The temporary entrance behind the building in Cook Street, near to the city's main postal sorting office, is clearly sign-posted to steer visitors in the right direction and will allow the museum to stay fully open while work is carried out on its new Hales Street entrance.

A spokesman for the museum said visitors would find all the usual facilities, including the shop and cafe, staying open as work progresses.

"There will be plenty to see and do, including the newly opened Landmarques Gallery telling the story of Coventry's road transport industry from 1869 to 1948, and the ever-popular land speed record cars, Thrust 2 and Thrust SSC."

The new main entrance, which is being developed as part of the #40 million Phoenix Initiative, is scheduled to open next year.

In the meantime, the museum will be open every day from 10am until 5pm with free admission to all visitors.